What type of graphics do you make, and which type is your favorite?

I have been making book covers for a good bit, and even though I recently added chapter banners to the arsenal, I'm still new to them, so cover art is still by far my favorite type.

How long have you been designing graphics?

I'd say probably almost two years now was when I started casually getting into it. I started really getting into a little over six months ago.

How did you start?

I made my first attempt at a graphic a long time ago: it was a collage that featured a roleplay "ship" of mine, overlayed with text that was lyrics from a romantic song. It was the worst thing I've ever seen, but hey, it was a first attempt. I had seen so many amazing edits out there on the internet related to fandoms and such that I was just so inspired to try and make my own, especially for things that I really cared about and loved.

That was what got me into editing images at all. As for getting into covers, how I started is probably the same as how a lot of others started. I tried to make my own covers (I didn't know you could request from people back then), liked it, but then saw other people's covers and decided I could be doing far better. So I did.

What is your favorite part about graphic design?

It usually goes one of two ways for me: either it turns out how I pictured it, and I get to see the image in my head come to life (which is the best feeling ever), or it looks nothing like that image and becomes something else entirely, something just as good (and sometimes better) than what I'd intended for it. Of course, I'm still learning, and I often fail, but that just makes the successes all a bit sweeter. Really, the whole process is my favorite.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I tend to get most of my inspiration from movie posters and other book covers. Posters are really just amazing at capturing the gist of a movie and making it extremely appealing, with the lighting and the text effects. Looking at posters and book covers I find appealing myself and dissecting WHAT exactly makes me like them is the main way I get ideas for what I want to try to do with my own designing.

How long does a graphic typically take you?

I'd say I'm still pretty new, so still pretty slow: a fast one might be two to three hours, but if I have any trouble with it, or if it's especially complex, it could easily get up to twice that long. (Note that this includes finding the images.)

What advice would you give aspiring designers?

On a cheesy-but-true inspirational note: no matter how long it takes, or how frustrated you get, it's okay. Your first attempts will look awful, I guarantee you, but don't beat yourself up for it. Just keep working at it, keep practicing, and eventually, if you really and truly want it to, it will pay off. I got insulted a lot when first learning, but just brush it off and keep going. You WILL get better.

On a practical note: www.dafont.com will save your life (as well as www.creativindie.com's "300 Fool-Proof Fonts...: An Epic List of Fonts Per Genre"). I highly suggest using Photoshop, because it is truly a life-saver, and though very confusing for a while, is not impossible to get the hang of if you work at it. Also, YouTube is the ultimate toolbox of PS tutorials, so don't be afraid to use it.

A fun fact about yourself:

I've never had a carbonated drink. (Sue me. :P)